Sports writing, Jan 10 (EFE) .- The Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova will return to the courts on April 26 at the tournament in Stuttgart (Germany), as announced by the organizers, the same day that she will finish serving the fifteen-month sanction that was imposed after testing positive in an anti-doping control for consumption of meldonium.
At 29 years old, the former world number 1 and winner of five Grand Slam will play her first match at the Porsche Arena on April 26, the day she is allowed to return to competition.
Since the Australian Open in January 2016, he has not played an official match.
“I couldn’t be happier to play the first match of my return in one of my favorite tournaments,” said Maria Sharapova, who already won this tournament in 2012, 2013 and 2014. “I can’t wait to see my fans and to come back to do what I love, “added the Russian in statements provided by the tournament sponsor.
«I am very happy for Maria, who returns after a long hiatus. His return is a fabulous gift for our fans and will undoubtedly be one of the strengths, both emotionally and sportingly, on the anniversary of our tournament, ”commented tournament director Markus Günthardt.
The 40th tournament in Stuttgart will take place from April 22 to 30 and will be led by German Angelique Kerber, the latest winner and current world No. 1, and will feature eight of the top ten players in the WTA ranking.
On March 7, 2016, it was announced that Sharapova tested positive in an anti-doping control for the consumption of meldonium, receiving a two-year sanction from the International Tennis Federation, in a statement released on June 8, 2016.
Sharapova announced that she would appeal the decision and after her case was heard, her sanction was reduced from two years to 15 months, so she will be able to return to the slopes on April 26, 2017. EFE
Maria Sharapova will return to the slopes on April 26 at the Stuttgart tournament
